UvA Summer School

Life in Amsterdam

Known for its quality of life, work-life balance and culture of cycling, Amsterdam is a cosmopolitan city with a small-scale feel.

Photo: Thomas Schlijper

Amsterdam: 11th for quality of life

In Mercer’s 2016 Quality of Living survey, Amsterdam placed 11th out of 230 cities worldwide. That’s because quality of life is Amsterdam’s trademark. Bicycle almost everywhere on dedicated bike paths and enjoy concerts, clubs, opera and ballet in a city of not even a million inhabitants.

One of the world’s safest cities

In the Economist’s 2015 Safe Cities Index, Amsterdam placed 5th for safest cities worldwide. It was the second safest in Europe after Stockholm.

City of bikes

Bikes are in our blood. In Copenhagenize’s annual ranking of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, Amsterdam consistently comes in first or second. There are miles of dedicated bike lanes and the city is currently creating thousands of new parking spots in free, secure, underground bike parking lots.

Photo: Thomas Schlijper

Local climate

With a moderate sea climate, summers in the Netherlands are pleasant but sometimes wet. Enjoy long summer evenings, bike rides through the city and don’t forget your umbrella.

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